Before: Twice as nice

After: Twice as nice

Floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books now line the dining room so it doubles as a den. A couch and reading chair make it just as easy to enjoy a book as a meal at the dining table. The books, pillows, masks and other accessories stand out against the white of the walls and shelves in this bungalow.

Before: Bright and airy

After: Bright and airy

Colorful art and fabrics punch up this white dining room, keeping it bright while injecting personality. A sisal rug tops wood flooring that echoes the tones in the traditional furniture. Sweetheart fabric on seats adds a little kick to that furniture though! A graceful glass chandelier crowns the look.

Before: Respecting the past

After: Respecting the past

A pair of antique doors from a flea market in France flank the entrance to the revived dining room. Like architectural art, they hint at the more subtle architectural updates, such as the substantial clean-lined plaster moldings replacing cheap wood trim and wainscoting. Subdued color keeps the space peaceful.

Before: Overdue updates

After: Overdue updates

Chairs in comfort-extending upholstery surround a vintage-style wood table. Neutral yet textural grass cloth on the wall complements a group of drawings, which seem to reference the squares of the patchwork-look rug.